November 14th Council Meeting

Image shows Civic Life employee engaging a table of community members in a discussion about providing input for revising Chapter 3.96 during a February 12th community conversation held at Parkrose High School.

On July 18, 2018, the City Council passed Resolution 37373 which began the process of updating City Code Chapter 3.96 to define the functions and responsibilities of the Office of Community & Civic Life. The work over this past year by the Portland community, Committee 3.96, and Civic Life has encouraged meaningful discussions around how other bureaus in the City of Portland provide access to civic engagement. We are proud of the work accomplished by Committee 3.96, and we want to share their learnings with you and the entire Portland community!

You are cordially invited to a public presentation on November 14, where Council will consider a Resolutionthat will authorize a three-year extension for Neighborhood District Coalition Office contracts and to convene an internal multi-bureau work group to conduct a policy review of cross-referenced responsibilities for public involvement (you can see a timeline of the proposed process here). In this first phase, the bureaus will work to develop recommendations for a coordinated public involvement plan for updating practices so all Portlanders can be equitably serviced citywide.

We want to take the opportunity to thank you for your insight, wisdom, and feedback during our year-long code change process. Portland is built on a history of active community engagement, and your participation has helped Civic Life to evaluate our assumptions, process, and engagement, and adapt to the needs of the community. We appreciate how many Portlanders are invested in this conversation, and we will continue to improve our own public involvement practices as we move Portland forward, together.

Where and when is the Council Session?Location: Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI), 3920 N Kerby Ave, Portland, 97227Time: 5:30 -8:00pm (doors open at 5:00pm, meeting will end promptly at 8:00pm) Food, refreshments, and childcare will be provided.

What is the Resolution? The Resolution authorizes a three-year extension for the Neighborhood District Coalition Office contracts (currently set to expire in June 2020) and the convening of a multi-bureau work group that will consist of representatives from bureaus including but not limited to: the Bureau of Development Services, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Office for Community Technology, Office of the City Attorney, Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, Joint Office of Homeless Services and the Office of Community & Civic Life. The work group will collaborate to review cross-referenced responsibilities for public involvement.

Will there be a vote?No. This council session is an opportunity for City Council and the Portland community to discuss Civic Life’s report, review the proposed resolution, and engage with one another prior to a full vote. However, a vote on this proposed resolution will happen before the end of the year.

Will Public Testimony Be Allowed?Yes. There will be an opportunity to sign up in person at SEI on November 14 beginning at 5:00pm. We welcome your ideas and feedback but please note that there will be no vote during this meeting.

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